Creatures of Comfort Photo Gallery

Mind if I take a sip?
Although Mount Washington is in the fog about 60% of the year, it actually gets quite dry inside the Observatory during the winter because of the heating system. Here Inga is drinking water just like the observers do constantly in winter to stay hydrated.

Nin the Cat
Nin poses for a shot with the top of the Observatory tower in the background.

Inga with Rime Ice
Inga caught outside in riming conditions.

Mount Washington Snow Leopard
It's a rare sight to see Nin outside during the winter as the wind and snow are usually swirling around. When it clears though, it's easy for him to run around because the wind blows most of the snow off the summit. The cut up snow is from the Observatory's Bombardier snow tractor, which is used in winter for shift changes and other transportation needs.

Anna and Nin
US Antarctic Program observer and Observatory Researcher Anna Porter, spending time with Nin west of the tower. Nin is a very important member of the crew as he keeps the mice population down and makes the facilities feel like home.

Lounging around on a summer day
Nin enjoys the warmth of a sun heated rock. The summit never gets very hot as the record high temperature is 72°F set in August of 1975. Despite this, the crew and Nin take advantage of every sunny day they get.

On the Summit
Nin is once again hanging around outside waiting for his picture to be taken. In the background is the Observatory tower. The two instruments at the very top are the wind vane and pitot static anemometer. Below that is heart of the Observatory with work facilities and living quarters.

Nooks and Crannies
Nin hams it up for the camera by sticking his tongue out. The Yankee building is visible in the background.

Afternoon Stroll
Nin wandering around the summit in winter with the northern presidentials Mount Jefferson and Adams in the background.

Let me in!
Nin heads towards the closed Sherman Adams State Park building. While the summit of Mount Washington can be a crowded tourist attraction in the summer, all facilities are closed from late fall to late spring.